🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and filter on your Prius keeps the hybrid engine clean and protected. This job is straightforward, but you need to drain the old oil fully, replace the cartridge-style filter, and refill with the correct oil amount.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Make sure the vehicle is in Park and the parking brake is set.
• Let the engine cool before starting. Hot oil can burn you.
• Keep hands clear of the engine bay if the car is in READY mode. Turn the vehicle fully off before working.
• Use jack stands if you raise the front of the vehicle. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
• Hybrid vehicles can start the engine automatically in some conditions, so keep the key/fob away and the vehicle powered off.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 14mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Oil filter wrench (specialty)
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Latex or nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 4.4 quarts
• Oil filter element - Qty: 1
• Oil filter housing O-ring set - Qty: 1
• Drain plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Turn the vehicle fully off.
• Let the engine cool for at least 20 minutes.
• If the front is lifted, chock the rear wheels first.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the front

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper jack point.
• Place the vehicle on jack stands before going underneath.
• Never trust the jack alone.

Step 2: Remove the engine undercover

• Use the 14mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the fasteners holding the lower engine cover.
• Set the cover and fasteners aside in order.

Step 3: Drain the old engine oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use the 14mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Install a new drain plug gasket.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Replace the oil filter element

• Use the oil filter wrench (specialty) to remove the oil filter housing cap.
• Remove the old filter element and the old O-rings from the housing cap.
• Install the new oil filter element and new oil filter housing O-ring set.
• Lightly coat the new O-rings with fresh engine oil before installing.
• Reinstall the housing cap and Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Do not over-tighten the plastic cap.

Step 5: Reinstall the undercover

• Put the lower engine cover back in place.
• Use the 14mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to reinstall the fasteners.

Step 6: Fill with fresh oil

• Lower the vehicle to level ground.
• Use a funnel to add 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil.
• Add about 4.0 quarts first, then top off carefully.
• Total capacity is about 4.4 quarts with filter change.

Step 7: Check the oil level

• Start the vehicle and let it idle briefly so oil circulates.
• Turn it off and wait 5 minutes.
• Use the dipstick to check level and top off if needed.
• The oil should be between the low and full marks.

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✅ After Repair

• Check underneath for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter housing.
• Verify the oil level again after a short drive.
• Reset the maintenance reminder if it is due.
• Dispose of used oil and filter at a recycling center.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.